Second Lesson: Way Of The Sith

Braylen sat across from Anakin in the modest home he shared with Shimi. The air inside was cooler than the blistering Tatooine heat outside, but the weight of the conversation that was about to unfold made Braylen's chest feel tight. Shiimi sat quietly nearby, her gaze warm and reassuring as she watched the two of them. This conversation wasn't just important for Anakin—it was important for Braylen as well.

He cleared his throat, meeting Anakin's wide, curious eyes. "Alright, Ani," he began, his voice steady but thoughtful. "Your next lesson is going to be a little... different. And if I'm being honest, it's kind of hard for me, personally. That's why I asked your mother to be here." Braylen nodded to Shmi, who smiled gently at her son.

Anakin shifted in his seat, clearly intrigued but also sensing the gravity in Braylen's tone. "What do you mean? What kind of lesson is it?"

Braylen exhaled slowly, feeling the weight of the words he was about to speak. "Well, while you know that I'm a Sith, I don't think you fully understand what that means. Being a Sith isn't just about wielding power or using the Force in certain ways—it's... a way of life. And there are many things about being a Sith that my master, Darth Tanya, and I believe should change if we're to survive and evolve."

Anakin's brow furrowed, his young mind already trying to piece together the puzzle. "Change? But I thought the Sith were really powerful. Why would you need to change?"

Braylen smiled, a hint of pride showing at the boy's eagerness to learn. "The Sith are powerful. But power alone isn't enough. The way we've existed—through destruction, through fear and domination—has kept us alive, but it's also weakened us. My master and I believe there's a better way. And to understand that, I think the best way to teach you is through history."

Anakin leaned forward, clearly hooked now. Braylen could feel the boy's interest growing, and he knew this was the moment to open the door to something deeper.

"My true name," Braylen said, lowering his voice, "is Darth Vetris."

Anakin's eyes widened. "Darth Vetris?" He glanced at his mother, then back at Braylen. "Why do you have two names?"

"Because being a Sith means embracing a part of yourself that the galaxy doesn't always understand or accept," Braylen explained. "Braylen is who I was born as, but Darth Vetris is who I've become. It's the name that represents the strength I've earned and the path I've chosen." He paused, searching for the right words to explain something so complex to a boy who still saw the world in simpler terms. "But that path... it doesn't have to be what it's always been. I want to help you understand that, Ani. The dark side can be powerful, but it can also be something more than just destruction. And you—"

Braylen looked at Anakin, feeling the immense potential that radiated from him. "—you can help change what it means to be Sith."

Anakin blinked, looking between Braylen and his mother. "But... I'm not a Sith. Am I?"

Braylen smiled gently. "Not yet. And maybe you won't be, if that's not the path you choose. But you have the potential, Ani. You have the strength to make your own decisions, to choose your own future. And that's why this lesson is important."

Shimi, sitting quietly at the edge of the room, finally spoke, her voice soft but firm. "Braylen has been good to us, Ani. He's taught you many things, but I think this... this is the most important lesson yet." She looked at Braylen, a small, knowing smile on her face. "Understanding who you are, and who you want to be, is the greatest challenge any of us face."

Braylen nodded. "Exactly. Today's lesson isn't about lightsaber techniques or Force powers. It's about understanding the legacy of the Sith—both its flaws and its potential. And maybe, together, we can help shape something better."

Anakin nodded slowly, still processing everything. "So... what do we do now?"

Braylen smiled, standing and placing a hand on Anakin's shoulder. "Now, we learn. I'll tell you the stories of the Sith—where we came from, what we've done, and why some of us believe it's time to change. And you... you can help decide what kind of future you want to create."

As Braylen looked at the boy, he felt a strange mix of hope and responsibility. Anakin's path was still uncertain, but Braylen was determined to give him the tools to walk it with eyes wide open—no matter where it led. Braylen knelt down to Anakin's level, his gaze serious but gentle. He could see the boy's wide-eyed curiosity and the questions brewing behind them. This was a delicate moment, and Braylen knew he needed to guide Anakin carefully.

"Okay, Ani," he began, taking one of the small, intricately designed Sith holocrons from his bag and holding it out. Its sharp edges glinted in the dim light, faint traces of dark energy pulsing within. "I won't always be around to teach you directly. So I'm leaving you with some holocrons—devices that contain knowledge and lessons from ancient Sith. You'll only be able to open them with the Force, but there's something important you need to know."

Anakin tilted his head, reaching for the holocron, but Braylen pulled it back slightly.

"These are Sith holocrons," he continued, his voice firm but calm. "They require the dark side of the Force to open. That means you'll need to tap into emotions like anger, fear, or hatred to access them. But..." Braylen's expression darkened a bit, and he leaned closer. "The dark side is not to be used lightly, Ani. It's powerful, yes, but it's also dangerous. That's why I want to be here when you try to open it."

Anakin frowned, his brow furrowing. "But if it's dangerous, why even use it?"

Braylen smiled faintly at the boy's innocent wisdom. "That's a good question. The dark side isn't *evil* by itself, but it can lead you down a path that's hard to come back from. It gives you power, but at a cost. If you're not careful, it can control you, instead of the other way around. That's why I'm here—to make sure you're ready before you explore it."

He placed the holocron gently into Anakin's hands, watching the boy's fascination with the ancient device.

"I'd leave you with scrolls," Braylen added with a small chuckle, "but you can't read them yet." He could see a flash of determination in Anakin's eyes, the boy wanting to prove himself. "For now, I want you to meditate on what I've told you. Think deeply about your emotions, your thoughts. The dark side is fueled by emotion, but wisdom comes from understanding those emotions, not being ruled by them."

Anakin nodded slowly, holding the holocron carefully as though it were both a treasure and a burden. "So, I should wait until you're here to try to open it?"

"Exactly," Braylen confirmed. "This is something we'll do together, when the time is right. I want us to have many discussions about this, Ani. I want to hear your personal opinion—what you think, what you feel, what you believe the Force is telling you."

Anakin's face brightened a little at that. "You want to hear *my* opinion?"

Braylen nodded, placing a hand on the boy's shoulder. "Of course. The Force is strong with you, Anakin. And I want to help you find your own path—not just follow mine. But you need to be patient. The power in these holocrons can wait until you're ready. Understand?"

Anakin gave a small smile. "I understand."

"Good," Braylen said, standing up. "Now, go meditate on what we've talked about. And remember, the Force is more than just power—it's a guide. Trust in it, and trust in yourself."

As Anakin ran off, holocron in hand, Braylen watched him go, a mix of pride and concern swirling inside him. The boy's future was full of promise—but also peril. All Braylen could do was guide him as best he could and hope Anakin would have the wisdom to choose the right path when the time came. Shimi smiled warmly, her eyes filled with both curiosity and concern as she watched Braylen prepare to teach Anakin. "So, what will your first lesson be about?" she asked softly, her voice carrying a mother's protective tone.

Braylen glanced over at her, thoughtful for a moment. He knew how important this was, not just for Anakin, but for Shimi too. She trusted him with her son's future, and that trust was something Braylen didn't take lightly.

"He's still just a boy," Braylen said, nodding as he considered his approach. "So I'll speak to him in terms he understands—through stories. I'll talk about heroes and villains, about choices and consequences. You see, Ani is drawn to adventure, to the idea of good versus evil, like most kids are. So I'll weave those concepts into the lesson, to help him see that it's not always black and white."

Shimi nodded slowly. "That makes sense. He's always been fascinated by stories of heroes. But..." She hesitated for a moment, her gaze flickering between Braylen and the door where Anakin had just left. "Are you going to tell him about... the darker side of things? About being a Sith?"

Braylen's eyes softened as he stepped closer to her. "Eventually, yes. But not yet. Right now, Ani needs to understand that power, whether it's from the light side or the dark, comes with responsibility. That's why I'll start with stories—stories about heroes who've fallen, and villains who weren't always bad. It'll help him see that every choice matters, that it's not just about being strong, but about being wise."

Shimi exhaled, clearly relieved by his thoughtful approach. "He's still so young. I'm glad you're taking your time with him."

Braylen smiled at her, a rare moment of genuine warmth breaking through his usual guarded demeanor. "I'll do my best, Shimi. He's special. I can feel it. And I promise to guide him as carefully as I can."

As Braylen turned to go and find Anakin, he glanced back at Shimi. "Today, it's about heroes and villains. Tomorrow... well, we'll see where the Force takes us."As Anakin sat at the table, his mind was spinning, trying to process everything Braylen had just said. He glanced at the datapad in front of his mentor, still unsure what to call him—Braylen? Darth Vetris? Master? But he wasn't really Braylen's apprentice, was he? He decided to shelve those thoughts for later. Right now, his focus was on something simpler: heroes and villains. That he could understand.

"Ani, you up? Breakfast is ready," called Shimi from the kitchen.

Anakin quickly headed down and found Braylen already sitting at the table, focused on his datapad, as if he had been up for hours. Without looking up, Braylen acknowledged him. "Ani, you're here. Good, ready to start?"

"Now?" Anakin asked, a bit surprised.

"Of course," Braylen replied with a faint smile. "I did promise you stories, didn't I? But if you don't want to hear them at the table, I suppose we can wait..."

"No, no! We can start now!" Anakin was quick to agree, his curiosity getting the better of him.

Braylen chuckled softly, setting the datapad aside. "Alright. Like I said last night, we're going to talk about heroes and villains. So let's start where all good stories begin—at the very beginning. It all has to do with the struggle between the dark side and the light side, and the creation of the Sith and the Jedi."

Anakin leaned forward, listening intently as Braylen continued.

"Now, as you know, the Sith wield the dark side, and the Jedi wield the light. In the simplest terms, people often think the world needs balance, so they assume the Jedi are the heroes and the Sith are the villains." Braylen paused for a moment, looking directly at Anakin. "But life isn't always so clear-cut. Do you understand?"

Anakin hesitated, thinking it over. "I think so. That means the Sith are the bad guys, but… what do you mean by 'not clear-cut'?"

Braylen nodded approvingly at the question. "Good question. It means things aren't always as simple as 'good' and 'bad.' Another way to put it is to say that everything depends on your point of view. And yes, I found that just as frustrating when I first heard it. But let's start with the basics."

Braylen leaned back slightly, his voice taking on the tone of an ancient storyteller. "In the beginning, there was a trinity: the Father, the Son, and the Daughter. The Son gave us the dark side, while the Daughter gave us the light, and they both came from the Father, who represented perfect balance. When mortals were given the choice between the two, they quickly found that the opposite natures of the dark and light made it impossible for them to live in harmony. And from that, the two orders—the Sith and the Jedi—were born."

Anakin listened, fascinated, but a question was clearly brewing in his mind. "If the dark side is fueled by hate, why would someone choose that willingly?"

"Another good question," Braylen said, leaning forward. "But the problem is, back then, people didn't know that. They were drawn to the power the dark side offered without fully understanding the consequences."

"So… you were tricked?" Anakin asked, a little confused.

"That's one point of view," Braylen said, smiling knowingly. "I can see from the look on your face that the idea of 'point of view' still doesn't make much sense to you. So maybe this example will help."

Braylen paused, collecting his thoughts, then spoke again. "Do you remember one of the stories I told you about me fighting pirates who were attacking civilian ships, and how I destroyed their ships, killing their crew?"

Anakin's eyes lit up. "Yeah! I like those stories!"

Braylen chuckled. "Right. Now, let's say I went to a cantina afterward, and someone bought me a drink, thanking me and calling me a hero for saving the civilians. Sounds about right, doesn't it?"

"Yes, of course," Anakin nodded enthusiastically.

"Now, imagine I was in the market, buying food, and I saw one of the pirates' wives struggling to afford necessities because her husband—who was killed in the battle—was no longer sending money home. Do you think she would see me as a hero?"

Anakin hesitated. "No... I guess not."

"Exactly," Braylen said, his tone soft but serious. "To her, I'm a murderer. But to the people I saved, I'm a hero. That's how point of view works. It changes how people see things. Does that help?"

Anakin nodded slowly, though he still seemed to be grappling with the complexity of the idea. "I think so… But saving those people was the right thing, wasn't it?"

"I believe it was," Braylen said with a small nod. "But remember, Ani, when you're making tough decisions—especially when you're in a position of power—you must consider multiple points of view. Sometimes, doing the right thing means someone else gets hurt, even if you don't want that to happen. That's why the choices we make are so important."

Anakin seemed deep in thought, still processing everything.

Braylen gave a small smile, sensing that the lesson was sinking in. "I ended up saying more than I expected to, so let's stop here for now. We'll continue later when you've had time to think about it."

Anakin looked up and smiled. "Okay."

As they finished breakfast, Braylen couldn't help but feel a sense of hope. Anakin was young, but he was smart, thoughtful—and more importantly, he trusted Braylen. That trust would be key to helping him understand the complexities of the Force, the Sith, and the Jedi. For now, they would take things one step at a looked up from his meal, pleased but not surprised by Anakin's curiosity. The boy was always hungry for knowledge, and this topic—light and dark, Jedi and Sith—was a path that required careful explanation. He wiped his mouth and set his utensil down, leaning back a little.

"Of course," Braylen said with a thoughtful nod. "Now, where were we? Ah, yes—you asked if we were tricked." He folded his arms, contemplating how to explain. "One could argue that we should've recognized the emotions behind the dark side for what they were. And they wouldn't be wrong. But what we weren't told—what no one warned us about—was how difficult it would be to control those emotions."

Anakin leaned in, eyes wide with interest.

"When it became obvious that the secret to using the Force, at different levels, depended on our emotions—on how deeply we could tap into them—that's when the codes were written. These codes became the backbone of the Jedi and Sith orders, guiding us in how to use the Force."

Anakin's brow furrowed. "What are they?" he asked, clearly intrigued by the idea of a guiding philosophy.

Braylen smiled, pleased with the question. "The codes? There's one for the Jedi and one for the Sith. They're like a set of rules or beliefs that help define how each side approaches the Force. Let's start with the Jedi Code. It goes like this:

There is no emotion, there is peace.

There is no ignorance, there is knowledge.

There is no passion, there is serenity.

There is no chaos, there is harmony.

There is no death, there is the Force.*

The Jedi believe that emotions—especially strong ones like anger, fear, and hatred—lead to the dark side. So, they strive to suppress or eliminate those emotions. They seek peace, calm, and balance within themselves. It's how they try to stay connected to the light side."

Anakin thought for a moment. "So… they don't let themselves feel things?"

"Not exactly," Braylen said gently. "They do feel things, but they try not to let those emotions control them. They think that by detaching themselves from their emotions, they can stay focused on their duty and the greater good."

"That sounds hard," Anakin said, scrunching his face.

Braylen chuckled. "It is. And it doesn't always work. Jedi have been known to fall because they try so hard to avoid their feelings that, when they finally let them out, they don't know how to handle them."

Anakin nodded slowly, trying to absorb it all. "And what about the Sith Code?"

Braylen's expression shifted, growing darker, but also more passionate. "The Sith see things differently. We believe in the power of emotions, and instead of suppressing them, we embrace them. The Sith Code is this:

Peace is a lie, there is only passion.

Through passion, I gain strength.

Through strength, I gain power.

Through power, I gain victory.

Through victory, my chains are broken.

The Force shall free me.*

You see the difference, Ani? Where the Jedi seek to control their emotions, the Sith believe that emotions, especially passion, are the key to unlocking true power. We don't deny our feelings—we harness them. We let them fuel our strength."

Anakin looked conflicted, trying to process the stark contrast. "But… if the dark side is about hate and anger, doesn't that make you bad?"

Braylen sighed softly, knowing this was a common misunderstanding. "It's not the emotion itself that makes someone good or bad, Ani. It's what they do with that emotion. The Jedi fear what strong emotions can lead to, so they teach you to avoid them altogether. The Sith believe that emotions are natural and can make us stronger—but, yes, they can be dangerous if not controlled."

He leaned in closer, his voice low and serious. "That's why it's so hard, Ani. Once you start down the path of the dark side, it's easy to let the power take control of you. That's where many Sith fall—into greed, anger, hatred, without ever learning balance. That's what I'm trying to teach you. There's power in both the light and the dark, but understanding both and knowing when to use each… that's the real strength."

Anakin nodded again, quieter this time, as if a deeper understanding was beginning to form. "So... that's why you say things aren't clear-cut?"

"Exactly," Braylen replied. "Because no one is entirely light or dark, good or evil. It all comes down to choices, and the path you decide to walk. The codes give us guidelines, but in the end, the decisions you make will define who you are."

Anakin seemed to think on that, his face more serious now. He was beginning to grasp that the world wasn't as simple as he once thought.

Braylen smiled softly. "Don't worry, Ani. We'll go through this together. You'll understand it more as time goes on." He reached across the table, giving Anakin's shoulder a reassuring squeeze. "For now, just remember—neither side is inherently good or bad. It's how you use the power that matters."Braylen leaned forward, his expression serious yet gentle, as he spoke to Anakin. "Now, Ani, before you go to bed, there's something important I want to share with you." He paused, letting the gravity of his words settle in. "My master and I believe that both the Jedi and Sith codes have merit, but they're also flawed. They were written in times when things were different, but just like when the original orders were founded, the galaxy will need a better path—a better code to guide those who wield the Force."

Anakin furrowed his brow, trying to wrap his mind around what Braylen was saying. "Do you mean… we have to make a new code?"

"Exactly," Braylen said, nodding. "Not just new words, but a new understanding. The Force is bigger than light or dark—it's both, and something beyond them. We need to show others that there's more to the Force than just being a Jedi or a Sith. A balance that neither side can achieve alone."

Anakin looked thoughtful, a hint of uncertainty in his voice. "I think I understand… but it's a lot."

"It is," Braylen agreed, his tone softening. "And I don't expect you to understand it all right now. You're still learning, and that's okay. But one day, Ani, when the time comes, you'll have to help show them this better way. It's something my master and I have been preparing for, but you… you will be the one to show them."

Anakin looked up at Braylen, wide-eyed. "Me?"

"Yes, Ani," Braylen said, placing a reassuring hand on his shoulder. "When you become my apprentice, my master and I will guide you. But you will have the potential to do something neither of us can. It's not just about being powerful in the Force—it's about seeing the bigger picture. You'll have the chance to bring a new kind of balance, one that the galaxy has never known."

Anakin was quiet for a moment, the weight of Braylen's words sinking in. "I'll try," he said softly.

Braylen smiled. "That's all I ask, Ani. Now, get some rest. You've got a lot to think about, and there's more to learn tomorrow."

As Anakin made his way to bed, Braylen watched him go, a sense of both hope and responsibility stirring within him. *Anakin would one day be at the center of something far greater than either of them could fully see yet, and Braylen knew that the boy's choices could change the course of the galaxy. Shimi watched Braylen with a mixture of understanding and sadness as he stood by the door, ready to depart. She knew this life, the one filled with uncertainty, where plans could shift in an instant, leaving long stretches of absence. Still, it wasn't easy, especially for Anakin.

"I can't wait to see what you'll teach him next," Shimi said softly, standing at the edge of the room.

Braylen offered her a reassuring smile. "About that… I'll be leaving soon after I give Ani some homework. I'm sorry."

Shimi's expression fell, though she tried to hide it. "How long this time?"

"Three months minimum, maybe more if things go south," Braylen replied, his tone matter-of-fact but carrying an undercurrent of concern.

"Do you think things will go south?" she asked, her voice laced with worry.

Braylen sighed. "In my experience, the Force has plans of its own. It keeps us in the dark, just like with Anakin's future. We have to trust it, even when we can't see where it's leading." He placed a hand on her shoulder briefly, a small gesture of comfort. "Anyway, tomorrow will be uneventful, so don't worry."

The next morning, Anakin rose early once again, his mind buzzing with everything Braylen had told him. He was still confused, still unsure how to make sense of it all. The Force would guide him, Braylen said, but Anakin wasn't sure how to connect with it yet. He wanted answers, but the Force, like so much else in his life, seemed distant, always out of reach.

When he came down to breakfast, Braylen was already at the table, but something was different. He was wearing traveling clothes, and that immediately raised Anakin's suspicions.

"Are you going somewhere?" Anakin asked, his voice filled with concern.

Braylen smiled as he looked up from his datapad. "Good morning, Ani. I'm afraid so. I've got a job in the Karthakk system. It's going to be several months before I'm back."

Anakin frowned, his mind racing. "Several months?"

"I know it sounds long," Braylen continued, "but I can tell you from experience that with your studies and your meditation, the time will fly. Speaking of which, I have something for you." He pulled out a datapad and handed it to Anakin. "This is the Sith alphabet. By the time I return, I want you to be able to at least write all of the letters. Understand?"

Anakin nodded, trying to keep his disappointment from showing. "Okay, got it."

"Good." Braylen gave a small, approving nod. "And before I forget..." He reached into his satchel and pulled out a small holochip. "This is for you."

Anakin took it, puzzled. "What is it?"

Braylen smirked. "It's the code to my shop. I thought you might enjoy tinkering with some of the things in there when you're not studying. You've got a sharp mind for machines, and I think it'll keep you busy."

Anakin's eyes lit up for the first time that morning. "Thanks! I'll totally check it out."

Braylen stood, adjusting his cloak and preparing to leave. "Well, I'm off to the Karthakk system. I'll be thinking of the two of you while I'm gone. Be good, Ani."

Shimi walked over, her eyes soft and kind but filled with the weight of watching someone leave yet again. "Take care, Braylen. We'll be waiting for you."

Braylen gave her a reassuring look before turning back to Anakin. "Stay focused on your studies, Ani. You'll be amazed at how much you can learn in the time I'm gone."

With a final nod, Braylen stepped out of the homestead, the weight of both his mission and his connection to Anakin heavy on his shoulders. The Force had a plan, even if none of them could see it yet.